Essential Glossary - Understanding Key Survivalist Terms

In times of crisis, familiarizing yourself with essential survival terms can be crucial. Whether you're an experienced prepper or new to emergency planning, this glossary offers clear, concise definitions of critical survival terms related to disasters and preparedness, helping you build essential knowledge.

Dive into the survivalist subculture with key concepts that empower you to face emergencies confidently. This glossary serves as an entry point to the survivalist subculture, equipping you with terms and insights to be ready for whatever comes your way.

A smaller earthquake following the main shock of a large earthquake, often causing additional damage.
A total power failure affecting a large area, often caused by storms, cyberattacks, or grid failures.
A portable kit containing essential items needed to survive for 72 hours during an emergency evacuation.
A significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona that can disrupt Earth's magnetic field and affect power grids.
Techniques and strategies to prevent hypothermia and frostbite while ensuring basic needs are met in cold environments.
A complete breakdown of social, economic, or political systems, leading to chaos and instability.
A strategy developed to prepare for potential disasters, including backup plans and emergency procedures.
Essential systems and assets necessary for the functioning of society, such as power grids, water supply, and transportation.
A dangerous reduction in the body's water content, which can lead to severe health complications.
A burst of electromagnetic radiation that can disrupt or destroy electronic devices and power systems.
A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
A pre-planned and clearly marked path to exit an area in case of an emergency.
The immediate assistance provided to a person suffering from injury or illness until full medical treatment is available.
An area of land adjacent to a river or stream that is prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
The practice of stockpiling food supplies that have a long shelf life to ensure sustenance during emergencies.
Large-scale warfare or hostilities that involve multiple nations and can lead to widespread devastation.
Substances that pose a risk to health, property, or the environment, especially in the event of a spill or leak.
A lifestyle of self-sufficiency, often involving growing food, raising livestock, and relying on renewable resources.
A powerful tropical storm with sustained winds exceeding 74 mph, capable of causing widespread damage.
The imposition of direct military control over normal civilian functions, typically in response to a crisis.
A catastrophic event caused by natural forces, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or wildfires.
The radioactive particles that fall to Earth after a nuclear explosion, posing long-term health risks.
A lifestyle that involves disconnecting from public utilities and relying on self-sufficient energy and water sources.
A global outbreak of a disease that affects a large number of people across multiple countries or continents.
The planning and actions taken to prepare for and respond to a global disease outbreak, including stockpiling medical supplies and establishing protocols.

An individual who actively prepares for emergencies, such as natural disasters, economic collapse, or societal breakdown, often by stockpiling supplies and developing survival skills.
The isolation of individuals or groups to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Illness caused by exposure to a large dose of ionizing radiation, often resulting from nuclear fallout or accidents.
The controlled distribution of scarce resources, such as food, water, and fuel, especially during emergencies.
Energy generated from natural resources that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, often used in off-grid living.
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to challenging situations, a crucial trait in survival scenarios.
A hypothetical scenario where autonomous robots or AI systems turn against humans, often depicted in science fiction.
The process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks associated with potential disasters or emergencies.
A mobile phone that communicates via satellites, providing reliable communication in remote areas or during disasters when other networks are down.
The ability to depend on oneself for survival, including skills like foraging, hunting, and building shelter.
Staying indoors and securing the building during an emergency, rather than evacuating.
Being aware of your surroundings and identifying potential threats or dangerous situations, critical for effective decision-making in emergencies.
Energy from the sun converted into electricity or heat, an important resource for off-grid living and emergency power.
Survival Tip: A solar power bank can keep your devices charged when conventional electricity is unavailable.
A collection of essential items, such as food, water, medical supplies, and tools, needed to survive during an emergency.
Equipment designed for military or survival use, including items like multi-tools, tactical flashlights, and protective clothing.
A series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, capable of causing widespread devastation.
Techniques and strategies for surviving in an urban environment during a disaster, including securing shelter, finding food, and staying safe in potentially dangerous situations.
The process of identifying weaknesses in a system or community that could be exploited during a disaster or emergency.
The process of removing contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking, crucial in survival situations where clean water is scarce.
An uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly through vegetation, often exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds.
Skills and knowledge required to survive in a natural, uninhabited environment, including building shelter, finding food, and navigation.
The perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body due to the flow of air, important to consider in cold weather survival.
A weather event with strong winds, often causing damage and requiring specific precautions for safety.
The practices involved in treating and managing wounds to prevent infection and promote healing, essential in first aid.
Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, often becoming a public health concern during pandemics.
A kit designed to provide the essentials needed for survival for 72 hours, often including food, water, first aid supplies, and tools.